FOGSI in collaboration with IMA discuss the changing patterns of contraception

Population control and the need for a proper family planning

An initiative to discuss intricate relationship between family planning and development of the nation

New Delhi, July 12, 2017: Emphasizing the significance of 11th July as World Population Day, 242 societies induced by the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) came together with 3 lakh doctors of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to discuss about the shifting pattern of contraception methods available today. Their motto was to empower people by spreading awareness among them about the varied ways of family planning and thus the development of the nation, as reported by ANI.

Samaj Swasthya, a magazine started by Raghunath Dhondo Karve as early as 1927. In it, he discussed society’s well-being as a consequence of population control. He argued for every women’s control over their own lives through the path of birth control.

According to ‘Vision FP 2020’, a proper family planning can keep at bay 2.39 crore births and 42,000 maternal deaths by 2020. This will, in turn, lead to an even dispersion of hygiene, nutrition and will help to eliminate malnutrition, poverty and deaths by starvation.

Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association and President Heart Care Foundation of India and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA, on this opportunity speaks about the significance of the knowledge that people should have at their disposal about “the varied and effective contraception choices”. Irreversible tubectomy, reversible long-acting spacing methods of contraception such as the intrauterine device among others. He discussed at length about injectable contraceptives. Dr Aggarwal aims towards alleviating myths and misconceptions about contraceptives and also create awareness on safe family planning methods.

Contraceptive pills. VOA

India is ranked 2nd in the category of world’s most populated countries with most of the women not being fully educated on contraception usages and importances.

Dr Rishma Dhillon Pai – President and Dr Hrishikesh D Pai – Secretary General, Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) in a joint statement shared, “In 2015, over 7 lakh abortions were recorded, which resulted from unwanted pregnancies – as an outcome of the unmet need for contraceptives”. India is in dire need of family planning services

“Our aim is to keep the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of the Indian population to 2.1. Out of 36 states and Union territories of India, 24 of them have already achieved the TFR of 2.1 or less.” contends SK Sikdar, Deputy Commissioner and HOD, Family planning division of Union Health Ministry.